Spacecraft electric propulsion (or just electric propulsion) is a type of spacecraft propulsion technique that uses electrostatic or electromagnetic fields to accelerate mass to high speed and thus generating thrust to modify the velocity of a spacecraft in orbit. [1]

Apr 23, 2024 · After many years of research and development, researchers at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have created a small spacecraft electric propulsion system to meet these needs—the NASA-H71M sub-kilowatt Hall-effect thruster.

Oct 22, 2020 · An electric propulsion system uses energy collected by either solar arrays (solar electric propulsion) or a nuclear reactor (nuclear electric propulsion) to generate thrust, eliminating many of the needs and limitations of storing propellants onboard.

Electric propulsion is most useful for systems that are already in space and ones that value saving mass over a short misson duration. Diverging Cusped Field (DCF) thruster test firing in SPL’s Astrovac test facility at MIT.

Nov 2, 2023 · NASA’s Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) project is developing critical technologies to extend the distance and duration of ambitious new exploration and science missions carried out by NASA and its partners.

Jul 12, 2023 · Led by NASA’s Technology Demonstration Missions program, the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS), built by Aerojet Rocketdyne, provides 12 kilowatts of propulsive power – over two times more powerful than current state-of-the-art in-space electric propulsion systems.

Electric Propulsion (EP) is a class of space propulsion which makes use of electrical power to accelerate a propellant by different possible electrical and/or magnetic means. The use of electrical power enhances the propulsive performances of the EP thrusters compared with conventional chemical thrusters.

Dec 7, 2023 · Electric propulsion systems fall into three broad categories - electrothermal, electromagnetic, and electrostatic. We have a schematic diagram of a Hall thruster above. The working principle of the Hall thruster is that it uses an electrostatic potential to …

Apr 29, 2024 · Small spacecraft using the NASA-H71M electric propulsion technology will be able to independently maneuver from low-Earth orbit (LEO) to the Moon or even from a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) to Mars.

Sep 1, 2019 · ESA's SMART-1 spacecraft is equipped with an electric propulsion system as its primary means of propulsion. It is intended as a technology demonstrator for the use of primary electric propulsion on future missions.

Nov 7, 2023 · NASA’s latest update features an interactive virtual tour of the Electric Propulsion Power Laboratory (EPPL), the birthplace of the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS). This tour offers high-resolution images, embedded videos, and a 360-degree view, allowing users to explore the lab.

Feb 21, 2020 · But what is electric propulsion (EP), and how does it differ from the chemical propulsion systems found on standard spacecraft? Is it similar to the difference between a traditional gasoline-powered car versus the increasingly popular electric car?

• Electric propulsion systems require large power source which limits their use. • Commonly used in applications requiring very high Isp’s, but low thrust densities.

Electric Propulsion (EP) string consists of the Hall thruster, power processing unit (including digital control and interface functionality), xenon flow controller, and associated intra-string harnesses.

Dec 12, 2020 · Novel systems and designs for electric propulsion is classified as electrothermal, electrostatic, electromagnetic and even hybrid systems which can be two or more types combined.

Apr 19, 2022 · In collaboration with U.S. industry, SSEP has developed a lightweight thruster capable of propelling a small spacecraft from Earth to the Moon, Mars, and beyond – a step up from most existing low-power electric propulsion systems produced commercially for low-Earth orbit operations.

Uncover the complexities of electric propulsion systems! 🚀 Dive into their design, types, and applications while exploring ecological impacts and future innovations.

Electric propulsion is a type of low thrust propulsion system that utilizes electric and magnetic fields to accelerate and expel charged ion particles at high speeds, enabling satellites to adjust their orbits, maintain positions, and perform maneuvers efficiently.

5 days ago · The electric propulsion system is one part of the company’s deep portfolio of fuel cell, power electronics and electric motor technology developed thanks to a strong commitment to vertical ...

Feb 3, 2025 · ZeroAvia received a G-1 issue paper for the electric propulsion system. ZeroAvia’s 600-kilowatt ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain uses hydrogen fuel cells to power an electric propulsion system.

Feb 3, 2025 · ZeroAvia has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks or LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. The ZA2000 will support up to 80 seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72 and the Dash 8-400.

Dec 7, 2021 · With 14 electric motors turning propellers and integrated into a uniquely designed wing, NASA will use the X-57—its first all-electric experimental aircraft and the first crewed X-plane in decades—to demonstrate that electric propulsion can make planes quieter, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

COLOGNE, February 4, 2025 — Safran Electrical & Power was today awarded the first type certificate for an engine that complies with Special Condition SC E-19, the world’s first Special Condition for electric and/or hybrid propulsion systems. The certification of the ENGINeUS writes the first lines of a novel propulsion story in aviation and simultaneously marks the successful …

Feb 3, 2025 · The ENGINeUS electric motor is designed to meet the varying requirements of the new mobility market thanks to its inherent ability to integrate into multiple architectures: from 100% electric propulsion for small two to four passengers aircraft, to distributed hybrid-electric propulsion for 19-passenger small regional transport aircraft, right ...

Apr 19, 2016 · Aerojet Rocketdyne will oversee the development and delivery of an integrated electric propulsion system consisting of a thruster, power processing unit (PPU), low-pressure xenon flow controller, and electrical harness.

Feb 3, 2025 · The Pipistrel Velis Electro two-seater was previously certified with a house-designed electric propulsion system. EASA approved the aircraft and its motor under the light sport aircraft category ...

6 days ago · In order to achieve a decarbonized society, aircraft must be equipped with electric propulsion systems. To achieve this, it is essential to reduce the overall weight of the electrical components. Therefore, one of the solutions to achieve this content is to apply superconducting technology to the propulsion system. In this case, superconducting coated conductors made of …

6 days ago · TEEM takes advantage of the electrical power system integrated with turbo-machinery, which includes electric machines and energy storage that can supply and absorb power as needed. The ultimate goal of the TEEM concept is to enable higher performance and operability in propulsion systems with lightweight components that can strengthen the ...